It's always easier to ride a horse when both you and the animal trust each other. You can ride a horse that is uneasy around you, but it's much easier when you are both comfortable and steady around the other. However, especially if your horse has been abused in its past, it can be difficult to get your horse to trust you. With time and patience, however, a beautiful relationship can be built.

If your horse has never been mistreated but is skittish by virtue, it will also make it harder for the horse to have faith in you. All it takes is some time together. You will reconsider how you approach him. Make sure you move slowly and approach the horse from the left. If you are walking towards him with anything in your hands, stretch it out in front of you to show him there is nothing to be afraid of whatsoever.

Do not wear baggy outfits when you are moving close to a skittish horse. Your clothing could catch the wind and this can cause a disturbance that will cause the horse to be jumpy. Once they associate you with any kind of fear, it will take much longer for the horse to trust you at all. The horse should never shy away from its owner over anything.

It is never advised to force a horse to attempt and act it is not sure of. You will want your horse to trust and depend upon you completely before you ask him to jump or go down an unfamiliar terrain. You can instead have him build up his confidence by letting him jump over smaller hurdles and travel down simple, wide and open paths. If he jumps and stumbles, he might have trouble trusting you to jump again and you might second guess his decisions while jumping. So long as you know that each of you can trust the other, you will have a safe and successful ride.

If you have a horse that has been abused, it can be nearly impossible to gain the horses trust. You shouldn't give up hope, however. Plenty of horses have come back around after hours and hours of patience and love.

One good method to get close to a horse that has been mistreated is to spend time just chatting and being in his presence. Speak in a mellow and steady tone and carry treats with you. Don't try to ride him and definitely don't ask him to do anything he doesn't want to do. Days can pass before he is no longer spooked by your presence. Once he doesn't seem to mind your company, you can try to approach him. A frightened horse is a very dangerous animal, so be sure that you do not corner him. Offer him a treat and try to stroke his muzzle. You will know that you are making headway when he is willing to take the treat from your palms!

If your horse allows you to pat him, you are close to success. Do not attempt to get on a horse that has been mistreated previously without the supervision of professional trainers who are skilled with dealing with such horses. You do not wish to be in the situation whereby you are on the back of a horse that only trusts you when you are on the ground, but not when you are on its back.